Technically, no party really has a majority, though the Republicans have a plurality. Republicans have (49) compared to Democrats (48) and Independents (3). But the PPT like the Speaker, is elected by the entire body of the Senate, which with the 3 independents caucusing with the Dems, results in the election of a Dem.
But it doesn't really matter anyway, since PPT is not an "Officer of the USA" and thus ineligible to succeed to the presidency. Same goes for Speaker. The next lawful, constitutional officer after VP would be Sec of State.
No Speaker then would go to the lonest serving Senator being Chuck Grassley of Iowa.
Technically, no party really has a majority, though the Republicans have a plurality. Republicans have (49) compared to Democrats (48) and Independents (3). But the PPT like the Speaker, is elected by the entire body of the Senate, which with the 3 independents caucusing with the Dems, results in the election of a Dem.
But it doesn't really matter anyway, since PPT is not an "Officer of the USA" and thus ineligible to succeed to the presidency. Same goes for Speaker. The next lawful, constitutional officer after VP would be Sec of State.